Family Feuds

607 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Sa 19:40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel. 41 Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, "Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David's men with him across the Jordan?" 42 So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because the king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?" 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, "We have ten shares in the king; therefore we also have more right to David than you. Why then do you despise us-were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?" Yet the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. Some petty jealousy has broken out among the people. Half of the ten tribes that made up what is called Israel were left out of the triumphant procession celebrating the return of David. They were hurt by this and let the people of Judah know about it. Quick reminder for all of us to beware of hurting the feelings of others by not including them, and at the same time a reminder to those who are left out to not take it as the end of the world. You will survive this social snub. When we exclude others unnecessarily, or overreact to being excluded, we set the table for future problems that flow from hard and unforgiving hearts. Look what happened here. Unloving words were exchanged between the two parties and it led to serious trouble. The exchange of words escalated to the point that Judah's words were described as “fierce.” The Hebrew meaning of the term is cruel. Cruel, harmful words, spoken to souls that matter to God because neither side could drop it. My brothers, my sisters, don't let similar circumstances snowball in your own life. Remember the words of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Ro 12:18, “ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” And in ALL circumstances seek to bridle that tongue that James says is capable of kindling roaring fires. Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!